Treatments for Male Bladder Infection

Male bladder infection is inflammation of the bladder, also called cystitis. It is characterized by burning and stinging during urination, frequent urination, increased urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty, pain in the pubic area, penile discharge, lower back pain, blood in the urine, low fever, bad-smelling urine and sometimes, lack of urinary control. It is caused by bacteria that have invaded the bladder area from the gastrointestinal tract and other parts of the urinary tract as well as from the skin around the genital and anal area.

Susceptibility

• Men who suffer injury to the urethra or those using a urinary catheter to empty the bladder following surgery are especially susceptible, as are those with overly large prostate glands or defect in the urinary tract. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment includes a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methods.

Medications

• The standard treatment for bladder infection is a combination of antibiotics (to fight the bacteria) and antispasmodics (to provide relief from muscle spasms). Antibiotics used include trimethoprim, cephalosporin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, amoxicillin or a fluoroquinolone such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Some antispasmodics used include solifenacin, trospium, darifenacin and tolterodin.

  There are also some over-the-counter options for dealing with bladder infection. These remedies can provide some relief while you are waiting to see your doctor. Cystex, a nonprescription drug, helps relieve the pain. It also contains methanamine, an antibacterial agent that prevents further spread of the infection. The supplement D-Mannose is another. It is a complex sugar that attracts the bacteria to attach themselves to it. They are subsequently flushed out in the process of urination.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment

• Warm baths have been known to provide some relief. Bed rest is also recommended during acute phases. Drinking lots of water, about six to eight glasses, helps, as this produces increased urination, which helps flush out any bacteria that may be in the bladder or urinary tract. Also drinking cranberry juice can help acidify urine and provide some relief. It is advisable to stay away from sexual intercourse during and until two weeks after the infection has subsided and you are free of symptoms.

  Those who have to use catheters for prolonged periods and have recurrent bladder infections have a problem in that the catheter makes the urethra susceptible to bacterial attack. They can opt for an alternative: a device that looks like a condom and is fitted externally. Since this is not inserted into the urethra, the likelihood of irritation to the urethra is removed. Patients should talk to their doctor(s) about this alternative.